News, opinion and commentary

States in India Take New Steps To Limit Births

Article Abstract:

India is expected to surpass China's population by the middle of the 21st century. An average of just less than 3.0 children are born annually to Indian women, a drop from six in the middle of the last century. To avoid a population crisis, India needs that number to go down to 2.1 to be able to provide water and land resources for future generations. Individual Indian states are beginning to respond to public support for stricter population control policies without resorting to coercive contraception. They are trying various approaches that offer incentives from limiting households to two children to withholding educational services for additional children. Some of the states are first applying these rules to government officials and employees.

Author: Waldman, Amy

Publisher:The New York Times CompanyPublication Name:The New York TimesSubject:News, opinion and commentaryISSN:0362-4331Year:2003

Canada's View on Social Issues Is Opening Rifts With the U.S

Article Abstract:

Canada and the US may be neighbors with many political, social and financial values in common, but the Canadians have stronger views towards acceptance of gay marriage, marijuana use and anti-war policies. Canadians seem more liberal and Americans more conservative when high-priority social and cultural values are compared. Vancouver is a leading city in allowing distribution of marijuana for both recreational and medical use. More than 1,500 gay couples have married legally. Canadians continue to oppose the US invasion of Iraq and wish its southern neighbors could understand world-wide perception of American aggression and military dominance.

Author: Krauss, Clifford

Publisher:The New York Times CompanyPublication Name:The New York TimesSubject:News, opinion and commentaryISSN:0362-4331Year:2003